"Get away from me!!" I shouted.
Gasping for breath, he finally let go. "Anna, I'm sorry. But until this is settled, you must stay here. Beatrice's reputation cannot be ruined."
I laughed and cried at the same time. "You're just afraid I'll go out and tell the truth."
"Sorry..." His apology was swallowed as the door shut in my face.
Darkness swallowed the room. My consciousness slipped into chaos.
...
I woke up again when Darwin shook my arm.
"Annalise! Annalise, wake up! Why is Carmella bleeding again? Didn't you save her?"
My right hand was numb—gone to cold nothing. I stared at the man who looked like he would burst into pieces. A bitter laugh escaped me.
"Such a severe injury needs follow-up care. How could everything be fine after a single surgery?"
"You..." Darwin tightened his grip, panic sharpening his voice. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"
Then, as if remembering, he loosened his hold and yanked my left hand, trying to drag me out.
"Hurry up! Stabilize Carmella's condition, or Beatrice will be held responsible!"
"Darwin!" I summoned every ounce of strength I had left. "My right hand is gone!"
He froze mid-step, eyes snapping to my right wrist. His pupils dilated.